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Kolkata

The capital on Bengal is possibly the most romantic place of India. Over the years, its economic condition has deteriorated, courtesy the wrong government policies, major influx of refugees from Bangladesh, apathy of government and more.
But still the city has managed to survive, and is doing a fresh effort to rise to its former glory. If Kolkata is not visited, then India tour remains incomplete. Here we are listing the places that attract tourists at this city:

Nirmal Hriday: The missionaries of charity founded by Mother Teresa, the noble laurette and friend of all those who are poor, is at 58A, AJC bose road, near Entally market. Though she is no more with us, her work is continuing uninterrupted.

Nandan: This complex hosts twin cinema halls and some cultural halls. One visits this place to check out the research archive of Satyajit Ray,the renowned film make, who won special Oskar award, and Bharat ratna award, the highest award that can be given by the Indian government to a civilian.

Chitteshwari Temple: Estimated to be about 375 years old, it is at foundry road of Chitpur area.The deity is Devi Durga, carved out from a block of Neem wood.

Kalighat: This Kali temple is famous throughout the country and is fondly remembered as "Jai Kali Kalkatte Wali". It is one of the 51 Piths of Kali. The deity is adorned with 10kgs of Gold. It is located at the south of the city, near Kalighat metro station.

Siddheswari Kalimandir: Another old landmark of the city, it is located at central kolkata in the central avenue B.B.Ganguly road crossing.

Birla Mandir: Notes for the exquisite craftsmanship and the intricate designs at the temple, it is among the must visit list of all visitors of Kolkata. It is situated near Gariahat, the Southern business hub of the city.

Nakhoda Masjid: Located in the Chitpur area, it is one of the prime masjid or mosque of the city. The other important mosque is the Tipu Sultan mosque, located at Dharmatala, which is also the biggest mosque of the city.

Armenian Church: The Armenians had built this church in 1707 AD. It is situated near Burrabazar, the business hub of the city.

St. Pauls Cathedral: The prime among all other cathedrals of the city, it is a place that is a pleasure to visit, especially during Christmas and Easter. The hall and lawn of the cathedral can be rented too, for any personal function. The frescos, the windows, the decorations and the Henry tower replica, all charm the visitors.

St. James church: Also known as "Jora Girja" it is also frequented by visitors.

Sahid Minar: The British had built this tower in commemoration of conquering Nepal. It was previously known as Octerloni monument, in the name of Sir David Octerloni. The entire bus services were used to be operated from the area of this Minar, though now some of the operation has been shifted to nearby Salt lake.

Indian Museum: One of the biggest museums of the country, it will take you more than one day of you see every thing it houses in detail. It started its journey in 1814, though it shifted to this new building in 1878 only. The building boasts of an Italian architecture and is built like a palace. Some of the attractions are meteors, fossils of Large crocodiles and tortoises, jaw of Whales, a Mummy, 12 ft crab fossil, Shajahan's emerald cup, and many many more.

Asiatic Society of India: Situated at park street, beside the museum, it has the oldest books in its library, of multiple language.

Jahawarlal Children's museum: Known for its dolls collection, and depiction of the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata with dolls, it makes an interesting visit. There is also a nice aquarium. It is closed on Sunday, and is open 3pm to 6pm on Tuesday. Rest of the days it is open from 11am to 7pm.

Netaji's Museum: The home of the great freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose has been turned into a museum and one should visit the place and pay homage to him. It is situated on Elgin road.

M P Birla planetarium: World second largest Planetarium is situated near Victoria Memorial. Built in the shape of the Buddha Stupa of Sanchi, it measures 23m diagonally. Open all the days of the week, shows starts from 12.30 pm and continues till 6.30, each show lasting for about an hour.

Victoria Memorial: It was started at 4th January, 1906, by Prince of Wales. It was inaugurated by Duke of Windsor on 21st December, 1921. It was inspired by the Taj, and was designed by Sir Rajendranath Mukherjee, but the British went wrong in sourcing of the marble. Never the less, it is a work of art almost unparalleled, and stands in pristine beauty. Inside of the palace hosts a museum of Queen Victoria. About 3,500 articles are displayed that have some relation with the queen. There is a bronze statue of the queen at the gate, and a revolving bronze angel at the top of the dome of the building called angel of victory. The palace is housed at the middle of a garden, which
encompasses 26 hectors of land. There is light and sound show every evening in the months of October to February and March to June.
CESE has gifted a musical fountain just opposite the palace.

Floating Museum River Ganga: Inaugurated in 31st July, 1993, it has a pictorial representation of 300 years of Kolkata's history. Located at the Jetty.

Race Course : Located in the west of Victorial Memorial, it attracts race lovers in the winter months of November to March and from July to Setember, on Saturdays. However, the number of races is reducing every year. Polo is also played here.

Zoological Garden : The Kolkata zoo: Located in Alipore opposite of Taj Bengal hotel is one of the biggest zoo of the country and covers a span of 45 acres of land. Its flocked by people in the weekends of winter months with serpentine queues starting from the ticket counters. It also has Tygon (cross between lion and tiger) and Litigon (Cross between tygon and lion). Animals have come from world over.
Opposite to the zoo is an extensive aquarium and is a must visit.

National Public Library: Houses 17 lacs books and 5 lacs important documents. Has a daily reader membership of over 18 thousand. Everyday about thousand readers visit the library. Nice and quiet place. Located beside the zoo.

Agro Horticultural Society Garden: Located just behind the public library, it has a huge nursery of rare plants and seeds. One can also buy plants from here. Educational courses on horticulture are also run here. Closed on Thursdays, open on other days between 7am to 10 am and 2pm to 6pm.

Fort William: Home to 10,000 army jawans it is a self sufficient township. Need permission from the commanding officer to visit.

Marble Palace: Located near Central Avenue Mahatma Gandhi road crossing, it hosts the collection of Raja Rajendra Mallick Bahadur. The palace is a sight to visit. Hosts rare paintings by famous artists like Rubens. (0 countries have contributes to the collection. There is an articifial hillock too, and 6 lions crafted from marble. There is a small lake, and a fountain in it. Greek gods are also present. You will find it relatively free of tourists, because of lack of publicity and location. Need to contact the tourism department of India or of West Bengal.

Jorasanko Thakurbari: Home of the Tagores, it was built by prince Dwarakanath. It is near the crossing of Chitpur road and Vivekananda road. Not so far is Kumartuli which hosts the clay idol artists, and who make the bulk of the clay idols the city is in demand of, when ever there is a puja.

Rabindra Sarovar: Not so long back, it was known as Dhakuria lake. It is the morning walker's paradise. The stretch is a treat to walk by, while checking out the fishes in the water. You can also feed them if you want to. Three rowing clubs have come up at one of its edges, along with a mosque. The Bengal Rowing Club and the Lake club is better known. On the opposite end is a Buddhist monastery. There are ample benches to sit on and enjoy the scenery. Unless told, one would not even think that the lake is an artificial lake.

Birla Academy of Art and Culture: Situated on Southern Avenue just beside the lake, it has a collection of modern art and sculptures. Just beside is the Lake Kalibari, and very important Kali temple. 1 km to the south and you will reach Ramkrishna Institute of culture, and just beside is Gariahat, the answer to all your shopping needs.

Birla Industrial and Technological Museum: A must visit for all school students and science students; it has a number of devices to demonstrate the practical application of scientific theories. Located near Gariahat and Birla Temple.

Maidan: The biggest greenery any city has in the world, maidan is touted to be the lungs of Kolkata. It covers an astounding 400 hectors of land, all lush green. Numerous sporting clubs dot the area, including the oldest football club and the national club of the country, Mohan Bagan. It also has Eden Garden stadium, Netaji Indoor stadium, Eden Garden Park (behind Eden gardens stadium), individual grounds of mohan bagan and east Bengal, the race course, victorial memorial, fort William and stretches till the ganges. You can take a drive as roads crisscross the whole maidan.

Millennium park: It has been built along the river bank near Dalhousie, the central business district, and is a pleasure to be there in the evening.

Science city: One can spend a good part of the day here as there are many things to see. Dinosor park, spiral aquarium, 3D movies and ropeway are among the attractions. Located conveniently on E M Bypass, beside ITC sonar bangle hotel.

Nicco Park: A kid's paradise, it has a joy ride of every kind. A bowling alley and a boating facility called Nalban has also come up on either of its side. Located near E M Bypass and Sector V, the IT hub of the city.

Swabhumi Heritage Park: A slice of the heritage of India, swabhumi will charm you to the core. The heritage plaza's architecture is also awesome, and so is its selection of merchandize that you can buy. A must visit.

Other places near Kolkata:

Dakshineshwar: Homeland of Sri RamKrishna and Swami Vivekananda, it is located at the banks of Ganga and the northern fringes of the city. Have picturesque gardens all around.

Belur Math: Situated on the opposite bank of Dakshineshwar, it was built by Swami Vivekananda. Can be reached from Dakshineshwar by boat and vice versa.

Addapith : Situated just beside Dakshineshwar, it is another important Kali temple.

Botanical Garden: Situated in Shivpur of Howrah, it is on the other bank of Kolkata and can be reached in an hour's time. It is India's oldest botanical garden. Covers an area of 272 acres, it has about 15,000 different species of plants. Its chief attraction is its Banyan or banian tree that is about 250 years old and has about 1800 prop roots. There is an orchid house too, and there is also a small lake for boating.
One should go in the mornings and refrain from staying late in the gardens.